lupine

(lo̵̅o̅pin)

noun

  1. any of a genus (Lupinus) of plants of the pea family, with palmately compound leaves, racemes of white, rose, yellow, or blue flowers, and pods containing beanlike seeds: used for forage, green manure, etc.
  2. the seed of the European lupine (Lupinus albus) used in some parts of Europe as food

Origin: ME lupyne < L lupinus < lupus, wolf: reason for name uncert.

adjective

  1. of a wolf or wolves
  2. wolflike; fierce; ravenous

Origin: L lupinus < lupus, wolf

See lupine in American Heritage Dictionary 4

also lu·pin

noun
Any of numerous plants of the genus Lupinus in the pea family, having palmately compound leaves and variously colored flowers grouped in spikes or racemes.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French lupin

Origin: , from Latin lupīnum

Origin: , from

Origin: neuter of lupīnus, wolflike; see lupine2

.

adjective
  1. Characteristic of or resembling a wolf.
  2. Rapacious; ravenous.

Origin:

Origin: French

Origin: , from Latin lupīnus

Origin: , from lupus, wolf; see wl̥kwo- in Indo-European roots

.

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